But for this there are streams of mercy, and realities of consolation. David sorrowed after this sort, and David's God is theirs. It is a resource of peace to know, in all such-like solicitudes, that every feeling of the aching heart is known to Him, with whom there is sufficient love to help in every grief. It is peculiar consolation to know that all the scene which looks so black, so withered, and so desolate, is open before the eye of Him, who can make all appear fertile and fruitful yet. It is comfort to rest upon the assurance that what seems a lost case to us, is one which a word of His can remedy. It is reviving to feel that the way to the throne of grace is open to us still; that the invitations are given us to approach it; and that the word declares, that all our petitions shall be registered before Him with whom there is all power to bless. And so

sure we are that not a single iota of His word can fail, that we may smile even in tears, though we should come to the valley of the shadow of death, while yet the cause of sorrow remains, in the satisfied assurance that nothing is too hard for Him to accomplish; and that though we sleep before the good can be seen, yet that it shall be accomplished; or that very soon, He will fully and perfectly show such a reason, that it will stir us in heart to shout our loudest praise in the assurance that "He hath done all things well." It is still for us to be in earnest ; still for us to be devoted in effort; still for us to be watchful unto The results we may safely prayer. leave with Him, while we rejoice that any trial that draws us nearer to Him, is for our lasting good.

3 "Oh! to be brought to Jesu's feet,

Though sorrows fix me there,

Is still a privilege; and sweet
The energies of prayer,

Though sighs and tears its language be,
If Christ be nigh and smile on me."

"Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, which He hath promised to them that love Him?"-ST. JAMES. "As much have I of worldly good

As e'er my Master had;

I diet on as dainty food,

And am as richly clad.

Tho' plain my garb, tho' scant my board,
As Mary's Son, and nature's Lord."

T cannot but be painful, in the midst of this world's abundance, and in the midst of the many who seem to be easily able to secure what it affords

to be poor and in want. It is sometimes mysteriously afflictive that it should be so, when the heart is conscious of love to God, and when confidence is reposed fully in Him who alone can give or bless the means which are used that we may secure what the world can furnish.

To the finite mind the solution of the problem of God's providential arrangements is too great a difficulty; while at the same time, it is a peculiar trial of faith to wait for the day of future revelation. It was David's trial so to be kept waiting, till he went to the house of God, and there learnt of the end. It is one of the troubles making up that rod of affliction by which we may be corrected, although all is working for us a "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

We are not left without abundant consolation. We do not find our peace